Segmented Transceiver Coil Array for MR-Guided Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI systems face challenges in providing surgical access during procedures due to the need for repositioning or removal of transmit RF coils, which disrupts the sterile field and limits access to the imaging subject, especially in volumetric imaging where a birdcage structure is used, precluding surgical access without reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver coil arrangement that operates both as a transmitter and receiver, comprising an array of segmented loops with specified phase relationships, allowing for surgical access while maintaining a sterile field, and is repositionable to accommodate various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures without requiring removal or repositioning, including the use of a separate coil assembly for enhanced field uniformity and specific absorption ratio control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a birdcage transmit coil structure is used for volumetric imaging, then uniform RF excitation field is achieved, but surgical access to the imaging subject is precluded
Solution Approach 1:
The birdcage coil structure is divided into multiple independent loop segments that can be individually positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the coil to maintain its uniform field properties while creating openings or adjustable sections that permit surgical access to the imaging subject.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmit coil structure is made reconfigurable or adjustable during the procedure. The coil segments can be dynamically repositioned or reconfigured to provide surgical access when needed, then restored to their original configuration for imaging, allowing both uniform field generation and surgical accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If transmit RF coil is repositioned or removed for surgical access, then surgical access is enabled, but sterile field integrity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The RF transmission function is extracted from a fixed built-in coil and assigned to a portable transceiver coil that can be selectively positioned. This portable coil can be removed from the sterile field during surgery while maintaining transmission capability, or repositioned to provide access without compromising sterile field integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable transceiver coil acts as an intermediary between the imaging system and the surgical field. It can be positioned outside the sterile field for transmission, then moved into position for imaging without requiring permanent disruption of the sterile field, thereby maintaining surgical integrity while enabling both functions.
3Ease of operation
If a separate transmit coil is used instead of built-in body coil, then surgical access is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The portable transceiver coil is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit RF pulses, receive MR signals, and be selectively positioned for both imaging and surgical access. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate transmit and receive coil systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining surgical accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates MR-guided procedures like stereotactic surgery and robotic-assisted neurosurgery by providing localized, uniform RF excitation and maintaining the sterile field, allowing for pre-, intra-, and post-operative imaging without disturbing the surgical site, with improved accessibility and controlled RF energy exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The segmented loops are configured to establish a volumetric radio frequency (RF) excitation field across a volume-of-interest associated with the imaging subject in response to the segmented loops receiving specified transmit phases
Implementation Method 2
Relaxation of the perturbed protons can be detected via coupling to a tuned RF receiving loop (e.g., a 'receive coil')
Data Source
AI summary
Nuclear magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can include use of an electrical transceiver coil system comprising an array of segmented loops. The array can be arranged about a portion of an imaging subject and arranged to provide surgical access to a region of the imaging subject from at least one direction. The segmented loops can establish a volumetric radio frequency (RF) excitation field across a volume-of-interest associated with the imaging subject in response to the segmented loops receiving specified transmit phases providing a non-90-degree relative phase between segmented coil loops at adjacent ones of the segmented loops. All or at least some of the segmented loops can provide outputs indicative of an RF signal from the imaging subject, the RF signal elicited in response to RF excitation. The transceiver coil system can facilitate pre-operative, intra-operative, or post-operative MR imaging, such as facilitating access for a surgical procedure.